Olpe City Lake is situated on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills region of Kansas. The lake is located one mile west and one mile south of the city of Olpe. Construction of the 90 acre lake was completed in June of 1964. The 1,280 acres of native tall grass prairie drainage basin would seem to contribute to good water clarity; however, gradual shoreline gradient, little wind protection, and colloidal clay bottom sediments all contribute to a modest mean water transparency of 15 inches.

The lake was originally constructed to supply water for the city of Olpe, although Olpe currently receives water from Emporia. The lake and 278 acres of City property around it are now managed for its civic recreational values including fishing, swimming, picnicking, boating, and wildlife observation. A handicapped nature trail was constructed in 1995. Five earthen and rip-rapped fishing piers and an island were constructed in 1996 to break-up the prevailing winds and improve water quality. Water willow was planted in 12-18 inches of water around the shoreline in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2009 to improve littoral habitat, water quality, and reduce shoreline erosion. A solar powered automatic fish feeder was added in 2001.